What actions should a CNA take if a patient is having a seizure?

When a patient is having a seizure, the primary focus should be on ensuring their safety and preventing injury. The correct approach involves protecting the patient from surrounding hazards, such as sharp objects or hard surfaces, and gently guiding them to the floor if they are standing. This helps to minimize the risk of injury during the convulsions. Timing the seizure is also crucial, as it provides valuable information to healthcare professionals regarding the duration and nature of the seizure, which may influence future treatment decisions.

The other options do not align with best practices. Restraining or holding a patient down during a seizure can lead to more injury for both the patient and the caregiver. Leaving the room to call a nurse ignores the urgent need to attend to the patient during the event. Lastly, attempting to pinch the patient to wake them would not only be ineffective but could also cause unnecessary distress or pain. Therefore, protecting from injury and timing the seizure is the most appropriate and responsible action for a CNA to take in this scenario.